About Dry Eye - News and Links

Clinical studies American studies have shown that fully
developed dry eye syndrome
increases with age from about 6% of women under 50yrs to about 10% over
75yrs. The incidence of dry eye is the same in men and women of the
same age.

Blepharitis and Dry Eye

There is a clear link between eye lid problems and dry eye problems. The Meibomian Glands that lie between the eyelashes produce the oily component of our tears. If the glands are blocked and irritated the oily tear component is affected and the eye’s tears become less stable making the eyes feel dry.Special care with eyelid hygiene is the best way to avoid gland blockage and irritation.If you get a stye (Americans spell it sty), warmth can soften the waxy oil plug and help clear the blocked glands allowing the oily component to flow to stabilise the tear. A Blepharitis Warm Compress Mask is available from this site.

Unapproved treatments - Restasis

Restasis cyclosporine is available in the USA but has not been approved by the health authorities for human use in Europe for dry eye syndrome. This is because the preservative system used in the Restasis formulation is deemed unacceptable for European Health Authority approval.

Sjogrens Syndrome

If you have been diagnosed as having Sjogrens Syndrome, a more general
and severe drying out disease you may find it helpful to visit our
Sjogrens forum to compare experiences and tips with others or directly contact the British Sjögrens Syndrome AssociationPO Box 15040BirminghamB31 3DPE-Mail: office@bssa.uk.netOffice: 0121 478 0222Friendly Helpline: 0121 478 1133